Oot ma door 4 – the ash tree

These trees have a long lifespan; they can live for hundreds of years.

If you’ve listened to the tale, you’ll know that ash is one of the last trees to produce leaves in spring and one of the first to drop them in autumn.

Challenge – can you make up your own tale about the ash tree?

This means that the understorey below an ash tree has light for much of the year, allowing other smaller trees, shrubs and plants to flourish. Which in turn, encourages an abundance of animals and insects.

Ash trees grow straight and tall and the hardwood is tough and not easily splintered; it is used to make tool handles, hockey sticks and oars. Bows were often made out of ash, for in addition to it being strong, it can also be flexible.

It is an attractive light wood which makes lovely furniture.

It is my favourite wood for fire as it is slow burning and does not give off much smoke.